Range adjustable laser sight for archery

ABSTRACT

A laser sighting system comprised of three modular assemblies. The first modular component provides a means of attachment to any bow with the provisions for a standard {fraction (5/16)}-24NF threaded stabilizer mount. The third module functions as a waterproof and shockproof housing for a 650 nm laser diode assembly consisting of precision optical power control electronics, collimating lens and power source. The second module has provisions for adjustment of elevation and windage relative to bow and flight of the arrow. This allows for the “zero” setting at a given distance. The third module is attached to the first module via the second module. The third module provides a means to quickly and accurately change the vertical elevation of the light beam to compensate for needed trajectory changes. (I.E. distance or elevation)

REFERENCES CITED

[0001] U.S. Patent Documents 3487548 January 1970 Frydenlund 33/265. 4109390 August 1978 Smith et ai. 33/265. 4418479 Dececember 1983 Stanchnik 33/265. 4497116 May 1985 Hawkins 33/265. 4541179 September 1985 Closson 33/265. 4616623 October 1986 Williams 33/265. 4726123 February 1988 Keller 33/265. 4939863 July 1990 Alexander et al. 33/265. 5001837 March 1991 Bray 33/265. 5359780 November 1994 Dallaire 33/265.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Modern bows are powerful weapons capable of launching an arrow with great force along a predictable trajectory having considerable range. Because of this there is a need for a sighting system to accurately direct the arrow to the desired target.

[0003] Considerations to include in the development of a laser sight for use in archery are many. There are many types, brands and designs of bows available today. While there are many similarities of these devices, there are many differences as well. The wide variation in performance of bow and arrow combinations give rise to some of these parameters. The environment and intended use give rise to others.

[0004] The use of laser beams, as sighting devices in archery are not new. Prior art laser sights have addressed the design criteria as applicable to the demands of the sport of archery with varying degrees of success.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a light beam sight easily adapted to a wide variety of modern bows and which provides quick and easy calibrated adjustment for desired changes of the arrows trajectory. It may be used with many different types of bows, both hand, lever or winch cocked. It provides for a large change in elevation adjustment of the light beam to compensate for trajectory demand as normally required in archery.

[0006] There is provided an adjustable light beam sight, comprised of three major assemblies. The first assembly functions as a means of attachment of the whole to the bow's riser assembly via the bow's stabilizer bushing and is comprised of two pieces. The first piece being a threaded rod for insertion into the bow's stabilizer bushing on one end and the other end is threaded into the second piece being a machined aluminum rod. The second piece of the first assembly is inserted into the bore of the second assembly. The first assembly and the second assembly are held firmly together via a locking screw.

[0007] The second assembly adjusts the light beam horizontally and vertically with respect to the arrows trajectory and connects the first and third assemblies. The second assembly consists of six pieces, one machined aluminum body, three adjusting screws, one connecting screw and one locking screw.

[0008] The second assembly is a machined aluminum body containing a large screw on center with the common bore of the first assembly and allowed to pivot with respect to the center line of the bore. This pivoting screw is used to attach the third major assemble to the second major assembly at the base of the third assembly and the face of the second major assemble. Three adjusting screws located on the circumference of the face of the second major assembly at 120 degree intervals are used to set the light beam output position of the third major assemble in the X/Y coordinate plane.

[0009] The third assembly functions as an environmentally sealed unit containing a battery, a laser diode module, a calibration scale for changes of trajectory, a positioning mechanism of the laser module for changes in elevation requirements, and electrical properties for controlling the laser's illumination.

[0010] The third assembly consists of a nylon base, a nylon body, an aluminum shell, a laser diode assembly, a battery and a cam module. The nylon base is threaded to accept the pivoting screw of the second module. The pivoting screw while mechanically attaching the second and third major assemblies, also provides electrical connection to the positive battery terminal via a compression spring to the second assembly. Rotation of the aluminum shell converts this rotary motion into a linear displacement of the laser module about it's pivoting axis producing a angular displacement of the emitted light beam with respect to the centerline of the assembly. When the electrical circuit is completed from the second modular assembly to the to the aluminum shell of the third assembly via an external switch, the laser illuminates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1. Is a side view of a light beam sight according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 1A Is a side view of the three major components comprising the light beam sight of FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 1B Is an illustrated part breakdown of all ITEMs comprising the light beam sight of FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 1C Is a side and end view of the first and second major assemblies of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 1D Is a bottom and end view of the third major assembly of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 2 Is a end view of the of the third major assembly giving additional detail to the operation of the cam mechanism for adjusting the light beam's angle of departure from the sight.

[0017]FIG. 3 Is a top view of the sight depicting user settings and adjustments.

[0018]FIG. 4 Is a top view of the sight removed from the bow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBODIMENT

[0019]FIG. 1. Is a cut away view of the first embodiment of the present invention. This drawing demonstrates the assembly of the three major components and how they function in conjunction with each other.

[0020]FIG. 1A. Is a side view of the three major components of FIG. 1 in their unassembled state.

[0021]FIG. 1B. Is a complete illustrated part list of all components of the first embodiment of the present invention. The following description of form and function of these components are identified by ITEM number in FIG. 1B. and common to all drawings. ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION FUNCTION 1 {fraction (5/16)}-24 × 1″ all thread Screws into the bow's stabilizer bushing providing a means of attachment of the sight's mounting stud. 2 Aluminum Stud Screws into ITEM 1 forming a solid attachment point for ITEM 3. ITEMs 1 and comprise the first major assembly. 3 Aluminum body Attaches to ITEM 2 and provides a housing for ITEMs 4, 5, and 26. ITEMs 3, 4, 5, and 26 comprise the second major assembly. 4 Stainless steel cap screw Locking screw. Attaches ITEM 3 to ITEM 2. Provides an electrical connection for the external on/off switch. 5 Cap screw Attaches ITEM 3 to ITEM 6. Screw is allowed to ¼-28 × 1.25″ pivot in a radial direction allowing for adjustment of the light beam output in the X/Y co-ordinate plane. 6 Nylon base Provides electrical insulation of the batteries positive terminal. Provides a point of attachment of the second major assembly. 7 Plastite screw Locks ITEM 22 ITEM 6. Limits rotation of ITEM 20 stainless steel to 80 degrees. Adjusts spring tension of ITEM 8 acting on ITEM 9 acting on ITEM 20. Provides an electrical connection for the external on/off switch. 8 Spring - stainless steel Maintains force on ITEM 20. Adjusts required force to rotate ITEM 20. 9 Bearing Provides electrical connection to ITEM 20. Provides a bearing surface for ITEM 27 of FIG. 6. 10 ⅛″ × 1″Bronze rod Attaches ITEM 11 to ITEM 22. Provides a pivot for ITEM 11. 11 Laser module 650 mn class IIIa laser. Provides a collimated light beam output. 12 Spring Applies force to ITEM 13 assuring ITEM 13 remains inserted into ITEM 14 maintaining mechanical and electrical contact with ITEM 14. 13 Ferrule ITEM 11 is inserted through the bore of ITEM 13. ITEM 13 is inserted into the bore of ITEM 14. ITEM 13's geometry maintains ITEM 11 centered in the bore of ITEM 14 throughout ITEM 14's range of motion. This assures good electrical conductivity and a backlash free positioning system of ITEM 11 and hence an accurate and repeatable setting of the desired range adjustment. 14 Cam Converts the radial motion of the shell assembly consisting of ITEMs 20, 18 and 15 into a linear positioning of the laser ITEM 11. 15 Shell plug Part of the shell assembly. The plug is press fit into the shell ITEM 20. The plug provides a window for light emission from the laser. It also carries the cam pin ITEM 18. The pin is press fit into the body of the shell plug and is inserted into the cam's slot ITEM 14. 16 Window ring An aluminum retaining ring press fit into the window opening and locking the acrylic window in place. 17 Window Acrylic disk. Seals the unit from environmental contaminants while providing an exit port of light. 18 Cam pin Precision steel pin is a part of the shell assemble. The pin moves in a radial path as the shell assemble consisting of ITEMs 20 and 15 is rotated. The pin ITEM 18 engages the cam ITEM 14 forcing the cam to change position within it's captive slot of ITEM 22 19 O-ring Seals the unit from environmental contamination. 20 Shell Encloses the internal workings of the third major assembly providing an environmental seal. Provides a mounting surface for the calibrated range scale (not shown here) Provides the means for adjusting the the angle of the light beams departure thus compensating for changes of trajectory. Provides an electrical circuit to the laser module. 21 Spring Connects the negative battery terminal to the laser. 22 Body Nylon body provides a electrically non-conductive housing for installation of the laser module, laser positioning system and power source. 23 Battery 3 volt lithium ion battery, Panasonic BR-2/3A or equal. 24 Spring Connects the positive battery terminal to the second major assembly via screw ITEM 5. 25 O-ring Provides environmental seal. 26 Set Screws Provides the means of adjusting the orientation of the third major assembly thus adjusting the light beam's projected direction in the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the bow and hence the arrows path of flight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1C is a side and right end view of the second major assemble and also a side and left end view of the first major assembly. This figure shows in detail the location of the adjusting screws ITEM 26. When these screws are alternately screwed in and out of ITEM 3, the position of the third major assemble is changed in the X and Y planes relative to the bow's riser and thus the arrow's trajectory. ITEMs 26 apply force to the face of ITEM 6 (refer to FIG. 3). ITEM 6 being attached to ITEM 3 by ITEM 5. ITEM 5 is allowed to pivot in a radial direction with respect to the common center line the three major assemblies of the laser sight.

[0023] This adjustment allows for the “ZERO” setting of the sight.

[0024]FIG. 1C shows the detailed relationship of the first and second major assemblies. ITEM 1 is screwed into and firmly attached to the bow's stabilizer bushing. The other end of ITEM 1 is threaded into and firmly attached to ITEM 2 forming assembly one. ITEM 2 is then inserted into ITEM 3. ITEM 3 is firmly attached to ITEM 2 by screw ITEM 4. The typical orientation of ITEM 4 is in parallel to the bow's riser. The orientation of adjuster body ITEM 3's radial position with respect to ITEM 2 and hence the bow determines the plane of light output with respect to the arrow's trajectory as changes in range setting are made.

[0025]FIG. 1D is a bottom view of the third major assembly. This view illustrates the sight in the “zero” position or the center of it's range of adjustment. This is indicated by screw ITEM 7 being centered in slot ITEM 27. The nylon body ITEM 22 is the base platform of the assembly. The laser module ITEM 11 is inserted into the ITEM 22 and held in place by the bronze rod ITEM 10. ITEM 11 is inserted into the ferrule ITEM 13. ITEM 13 and ITEM 11 are then inserted into the cam ITEM 14. Spring ITEM 12 applies force to ITEM 13 assuring ITEM 13 remains inserted into ITEM 14. ITEM 14 is inserted into a slot cut into the face of ITEM 22. ITEM 14 is held captive in this slot by ITEM 15 but allowed to travel 0.150″ in one axis only. When the outer shell comprised of ITEMS 15 and 20 is rotated, this produces a change in the position of ITEM 18 in turn changing the position of ITEMS 14, 13 and 11. ITEM 11 pivots around ITEM 10 thus changing the angle of the light beam departure from the sight.

[0026]FIG. 1D further shows the nylon base ITEM 6 inserted into the nylon body ITEM 22. ITEM 6 is held firmly into place and in the proper orientation by screw ITEM 7. ITEM 6 is attached to the second major assembly with screw ITEM 5. Battery ITEM 23 is inserted into the cavity of ITEM 22 and held captive by ITEM 6. Electrical connections to the battery are made via springs ITEMS 21 & 24. O-rings ITEM 25 seal the unit. Screw ITEM 7, spring ITEM 8 bearing ITEM 9 perform mechanical and electrical functions. Screw ITEM 7 locks the body ITEM 22 to base ITEM 6. ITEM 7 is inserted and holds ITEM 8 and 9 in position. ITEM 7 adjusts the amount of force on ITEM 8. ITEM 8 applies force to ITEM 9 thus changing tension on shell ITEM 20. ITEM 9 provides a bearing surface inserted into slot ITEM 27 of shell ITEM 20. This bearing surface holds the shell assembly ITEMS 20 and 15 in place and limits the rotation of the shell. The external on/off switch is attached ITEM 7. Electrical current is carried from the positive battery terminal to spring ITEM 24 to screw ITEM 5 to the second major assembly from this assembly at screw ITEM 4 to the external on/off switch to ITEM 7 from ITEM 7 to the laser module via ITEMS 8, 9, 20, 15, 18, 14, 13 through the laser module to the negative battery terminal via spring ITEM 21.

[0027]FIG. 2 is the right end view of FIG. 1D. This view gives further clarity of the range adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Cam pin ITEM 18 is inserted into ITEM 15 and held in place by friction. Pin ITEM 18 protrudes from the rear of ITEM 15 and is inserted into slot ITEM 28 of the cam ITEM 14. ITEM 15 is inserted into ITEM 20 and held firmly by friction. When the shell assembly ITEMS 20 and 15 is rotated, pin ITEM 18 also rotates. This rotation of ITEM 18 in a radial motion about the center line of the body ITEM 22 applies force to the upper and lower surfaces of slot ITEM 28 causing cam ITEM 14 to move in a straight line motion. This straight line motion in turn forces the ferrule ITEM 13 and laser module ITEM 11 to pivot about rod ITEM 10. The cam in the first embodiment of the present invention has a range of travel of 0.150 inches. This travel is determined by the geometry of slot ITEM 28 and outside diameter of the cam ITEM 14. This travel of 0.150 inches is equal to 7.5 degrees of travel of the laser module. This travel produces a change of beam position of 3.93 feet at 10 yards, which is very adequate for use in archery.

[0028]FIG. 3 is the top view of the sight removed from the bow. This view illustrates the calibrated range scale ITEM 29. As the shell assembly ITEMS 15 & 20 are rotated as does scale ITEM 29. This rotation changes the vertical angle of the light beam in reference to the bow thus changing the distance or elevation setting of the sight to accommodate for desired changes of the arrows trajectory. The scale ITEM 29 has a writeable surface for use with a fine line permanent marker. This enables the user to mark range setting as required. The scale ITEM 29 is user replaceable self-adhesive tape.

[0029] While the present invention has been described in terms of practical embodiments, materials and examples, those of skill in the art will understand based on the description herein that other materials and components may be substituted for those described and alternate arrangements be used without departing from the scope of the present invention and it is intended to include such substitutions, variations and alterations in the claims that follow. 

I claim:
 1. A light beam sight for bows, comprising: A rotating outer body for adjustment of desired change of the arrow's trajectory. A rotating outer body with a calibrated scale to indicate yardage change as this body is rotated. A tension adjustment for setting desired force required to rotate the outer body consisting of a compression spring, a screw, and a bearing. A slip ring type electrical connector consisting of a compression spring, a screw, a bearing and an aluminum body. A guide mechanism for controlling the path of rotation of the outer body consisting of a compression spring a screw and a bearing. A cam that converts the rotary motion of the outer body into a linear movement of the light beam generator. A nylon inner body for housing a battery, a laser module assembly, a positioning cam and attaching a outer aluminum body. A nylon base for mounting of the nylon body and outer aluminum body. A nylon base for attachment of the inner and outer body to the “zeroing” assembly.
 2. A positioning mechanism for the sight of claim 1 consisting of; A machined aluminum housing that attaches the nylon base of claim 1 by means of a pivoting screw. A machined aluminum housing that applies force to the nylon base of claim 1 via three set screws at 120 degree intervals about the face of the housing thus changing the light beam direction. A machined aluminum housing that accepts a machined aluminum stud and firmly attaches the two by means of a locking screw while providing 360 degrees of adjustment about their common center line axis.
 3. A mounting system for the sight of claim 1 consisting of: A {fraction (5/16)}″-24″×1″ threaded rod and a machined aluminum stud for attachment of the sight of claim 1 to a bow's stabilizer bushing.
 4. I further claim the sight of claim 1 to provide a full adjustment range of light beam travel of 3.93 feet at 10 yards distance as the result of a full 80 degree rotation of the outer body resulting in the maximum linear travel of 150 thousandths of one inch of the laser positioning cam. 